The addition of Roberto Perez allows the Indians to keep former catcher Carlos Santana from having to be the backup to starter Yan Gomes. Santana struggles behind the plate defensively and he spent time on the seven-day concussion disabled list earlier in the season after taking a foul ball off his mask while catching in a game.
Perez has earned his promotion with a surprising breakout season at Columbus. After hitting .200 with two home runs and 34 RBI in a combined 280 at-bats at Columbus and Akron last year, Perez, in 174 at-bats at Columbus this year, is hitting .305 with eight home runs and 43 RBI.
Perez, 25, is a right-handed hitter who was selected by the Indians in the 33rd round of the 2008 June draft.
“He’s had a phenomenal year offensively and defensively,” Francona said. “We felt it was probably time to get him to the big leagues. We feel he can help us.”Double trouble
Jason Kipnis took exception to some criticism on Twitter for being fooled by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in the eighth inning July 7. Asdrubal Cabrera hit a pop foul that was caught by Yankee third baseman Zelous Wheeler.
Kipnis was running on the play and slid into second, got to his feet and took a step toward third, then realized the ball was caught and tried to retrace his steps to first, but wound up getting doubled off first.
Some on Twitter said Kipnis slid because Jeter made it look like he was getting ready to catch the ball as though making the pivot on a double play.
“It was a straight steal. I had my head down. He (Jeter) didn’t deke me at all,” Kipnis said. “Nobody is a bigger Derek Jeter fan than I am, but let’s not make up news.”
Notes
At the start of play July 8, Michael Brantley had the highest home batting average in the American League (.369). Defensively, Brantley has made one error in his last 332 games. ... July 9 at 7:05 p.m., Josh Tomlin (5-6, 4.11 ERA) will face Brandon McCarthy (3-10, 5.01).